Fire Well Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprising at least one fire well, at least one surface top, at least one facia component, and at least one main structure, wherein the main structure comprises at least one seating structure, wherein the main structure provides a level base for the at least one fire well and the at least one surface top, wherein the at least one fire well is affixed to the at least one main structure such that the at least one fire well is suspended within the at least one main structure, wherein the at least one surface top is affixed to the at least one main structure such that the at least one surface top is suspended on top of the at least one main structure, and wherein the at least one facia component is vertically affixed to the at least one main structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/802,138 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention disclosed herein is generally related to outdoor furniture apparatuses capable of safely housing fire for patrons to enjoy. Prior fire well apparatuses failed to provide an architecture capable of balancing on imperfect surfaces. Prior fire well apparatuses failed to provide foot rests that did not impede facia doors of the main structure. Prior fire well apparatuses were further incapable of modular expansion. The invention disclosure herein overcomes these failures of the prior art to provide a fire well apparatus suited for any use case, whether it be a permanently installed fire well apparatus in a residential backyard or a custom ordered “buffet style” fire well apparatus brought in for a special event by a catering company.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise at least one fire well, at least one surface top, at least one facia component, and at least one main structure, wherein the main structure comprises at least one seating structure, wherein the main structure provides a level base for the at least one fire well and the at least one surface top, wherein the at least one fire well is affixed to the at least one main structure such that the at least one fire well is suspended within the at least one main structure, wherein the at least one surface top is affixed to the at least one main structure such that the at least one surface top is suspended on top of the at least one main structure, and wherein the at least one facia component is vertically affixed to the at least one main structure.

In another embodiment, an apparatus may comprise at least one vertical structure, at least one fire well, wherein the at least one fire well comprises a fire retardant composition, and wherein the at least one fire well is affixed to the at least one vertical structure such that the at least one fire well is suspended within the at least one vertical structure, at least one surface top, wherein the at least one surface top is affixed to the at least one vertical structure such that the at least one surface top is suspended on top of the at least one vertical structure, and, at least one seating structure, wherein the at least one seating structure is affixed to the at least one vertical structure such that the at least one seating structure and at least one main structure together comprise a main structure, and wherein the main structure provides a level base for the at least one fire well and the at least one surface top.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2-11 depict certain components of an apparatus according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein disclosed is an apparatus. In certain embodiment, the apparatus may be and/or include a fire well apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include at least one fire well, at least one surface top, at least one vertical structure, and at least one seat structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include at least one facia component.

A certain non-limiting feature of the apparatus is the modular nature of the apparatus. In particular, the apparatus components have been specifically designed to enable the apparatus to be configured in a multitude of arrangements, providing potential customers of the apparatus with a customized apparatus. For example, while the apparatus may be shown in the following figures as a single module apparatus, the apparatus may be expanded to include more than one fire well, more than one surface top, and more than one seat structure unlike the shown figures. Thus, “buffet” style apparatus are amongst the possible apparatus, where the buffet style apparatus may have seating for four more individuals than the base, depicted apparatus accommodates. In particular, the buffet style apparatus may have two seat structures on opposing ends, rather than one, thereby expanding the seating of the apparatus to four individuals on two sides and two individuals on two sides, totaling seating for twelve individuals at the buffet style table, rather than eight individuals accommodated by the seating of the base, depicted apparatus.

Another certain non-limiting feature of the apparatus is the components comprising the fire wells. In particular, the fire wells may include at least one fire retardant compartment, at least one ornamental fixture, and at least one gas supply fixture. Unlike many known fire wells, the fire wells of the apparatus provide regulated, safe heating for comfort and cooking by using modernized gas componentry. For instance, rather than providing fire by burning wood, the fire well uses at least one gas supply fixtures affixed to at least one ornamental fixtures within at least one fire retardant compartment. To accommodate many styles, and further support the modularity of the apparatus, the ornamental fixtures may include at least one fire retardant log fixture, at least one fire retardant rock fixture, at least one fire retardant glass fixture, and/or at least one fixture made of fire retardant materials. Furthermore, the apparatus can support either liquid propane supply systems and/or natural gas supply systems to fuel the fire that lights the ornamental fixtures affixed to the gas supply systems.

Yet another non-limiting feature of the apparatus is at least one facia component that may be optionally affixed to the apparatus. The facia components may provide a safety barrier between individuals around and/or seated at the apparatus. In particular, the facia components may be affixed to the vertical supports such that the fire well is not accessible to the individuals around and/or seated at the apparatus, and thus the chances of injury resulting from an individual making contact with the fire well is drastically reduced. The facia components further provide an aesthetic facade between the individuals around and/or seated at the apparatus and any internal components of the apparatus. The facia components may be and/or include, for example, patterned surfaces, such as metal, wood, plastics, synthetic materials, recyclable materials, and/or other hard, heat retardant compounds. The facia components therefore further bolster the modularity of the apparatus, by providing a further customizable aspect of the apparatus without altering the core elements of the apparatus. A customer might, thereby, order an apparatus with at least one facia component designed by her using an online designing tool, and/or designed by some other tool. Finally, the facia component may be either a facia panel or a facial door, where a facia panel does not provide access to the fire well and where a facia door provides access via hinges that permit the facia door to swing open and provide access to the fire well.

To better understand the many features of the apparatus, the following figures will be described in detail:

FIG. 1 depicts the apparatus 100 in an unassembled state, wherein all essential components of the apparatus 100 are viewable. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise at least one fire well 102, at least one surface 104, at least one main leaf 106, at least one side leaf 108 a and 108 b, at least one vertical structure 110, at least one expansion connection 112, at least one seat support 114, at least one seat 116, and at least one platform 118. As referred to herein in the claims, the term “seat structure” can include one or more structures that may be affixed to the expansion connections 112 to seat at least one individuals at the apparatus. More specifically the seat structure may include one or more of at least one seat support 114, at least one seat 116, and at least one platform 118. Each of the referenced components of FIG. 1 will be described in further detail with respect to the following figures.

FIG. 2 depicts certain illustrative components for a fire well 102 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, a fire well 102 may be composed of a fire retardant material, such a metal, which can withstand the heat produced by the components of the fire well 102. In certain embodiments, the fire well 102 may be affixed to one or more of the surface tops 104 (FIG. 1), the main leafs 106 (FIG. 1), the side leafs 108 a/108 b (FIG. 1), the vertical structures 110 (FIG. 1), and the seat structures described with respect to FIG. 1. For instance, as displayed in FIG. 1A, the fire well 102 may be affixed to a surface top 104, a main leaf 106, a side leaf 108 a, a side leaf 108 b, and a vertical structure 110.

In certain embodiments, the fire well 102 may include a fire well lip 202 a/202 b. The fire well lip 202 a/202 b is designed such that the fire well 102 may be affixed to the surface top 104 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the fire well lip 202 may fit snuggly in the gap in the middle of the surface top 104 (as shown in FIG. 3) so that the fire well 102 is suspended by the surface top 104.

In certain embodiments, the fire well 102 may include at least one fire well wall 204. The fire well wall 204 may provide vertical support for the fire well 102. In some embodiments, the fire well wall 204 may provide access for a gas line and/or other componentry that may need to be run from the outside of the fire well 102 to the inside of the fire well 102.

In certain embodiments, the fire well 102 may include a fire well bottom 206. The fire well bottom 206 may provide horizontal support for the fire well 102. In some embodiments, the fire well bottom 206 may provide access for a gas line and/or other componentry that may need to be run from the outside of the fire well 102 to the inside of the fire well 102.

In some embodiments, the fire well 102 may further include at least one shelf notch 208. Shelf notches 208 may be situated in each of the four corners of the fire well 102 such that a shelf may be suspended upon the shelf notches 208 within the fire well 102. Shelf notches 208, especially when suspending shelves within the fire 102, may be particularly useful for the preparation of food; for instance, food may be cooked on a shelf suspended by the shelf notches 208.

While the components are not shown in FIG. 2, the fire well 102 may further include at least one fire retardant compartments, at least one ornamental fixtures, and at least one gas supply fixtures. As previously discussed, the fire well 102 may include at least one gas supply fixtures affixed to at least one ornamental fixtures within at least one fire retardant compartment. For example, the ornamental fixtures may include at least one fire retardant log fixture, at least one fire retardant rock fixture, at least one fire retardant glass fixture, and/or at least one fixture made of fire retardant materials. Additionally, the fire well 120 may include a gas supply fixture capable of providing a stream of liquid propane and/or natural gas, which may be ignited, to produce a fire lighting the ornamental fixtures.

FIG. 3 depicts certain illustrative components for a fire well bottom 206 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the fire well bottom 206 may include an access port, as shown in the middle of the fire well bottom 206 of FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the fire well bottom 206 may be a perforated surface (e.g. a grate) that provides air flow for a gas supply fixture mounted above the fire well bottom 206 within the fire well 102.

FIG. 4 certain illustrative components for a fire well shelf 210 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the fire well shelf 210 may be suspended upon at least one shelf notch 208 by at least one shelf notch point 208 a. In some embodiments, the fire well shelf 210 may be a perforated surface (e.g. a grate) that provides air flow for a gas supply fixture mounted below the fire well shelf 210 within the fire well 102.

FIG. 5 depicts certain illustrative components for a surface top 104 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, a surface top 104 may be composed of a solid, hard material, such as stone, tile, wood, metal, concrete, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the surface top 104 may be treated with a chemical and/or process in order to be easily cleaned after using the apparatus 100. The surface top 104 may be divided into four sections, as shown in FIGS. 3 as 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 d. The surface top 104 may be divided into such four sections for ease of shipping and assembly, as the weight and size of the surface top 104 may be substantial.

In certain embodiments, the surface top 104 may be affixed to one or more of the fire wells 102 (FIG. 1), the main leafs 106 (FIG. 1), the side leafs 108 a/108 b (FIG. 1), the vertical structures 110 (FIG. 1), and the seat structures described with respect to FIG. 1. For instance, as displayed in FIG. 1, the surface top 104 may be affixed to a fire well 102, a main leaf 106, a side leaf 108 a, a side leaf 108 b, and a vertical structure 110. More particularly, the weight of the fire well 102 holds the fire well 102 snuggly against the surface top 104, which is then held snuggly against the main leaf 106, the side leaf 108 a, and the side leaf 108 b, which are all held snuggly against the vertical structure. Such components may be further reinforced by welding, gluing, bolting, and/or otherwise affixing each component to one another to further strengthen the apparatus 100.

FIG. 6 depicts certain illustrative components for a main leaf 106 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, a main leaf 106 may be composed of a metal and/or the like. The main leaf 106 may be and/or include a frame that is capable of supporting a surface top 104. In particular, the main leaf 106 may have horizontal supports, such as the two shown in FIG. 4, to provide a more rigid frame. In certain embodiments, the main leaf 106 may include side leaf connections 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 404 d on the one side of the main leaf 106 and may include side leaf connections 404 a, 404 b, 404 c, and 404 d on the opposite side of the main leaf 106. Side leaf connections 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 404 d may provide a receptacle, outlet and/or mounting point to attach the main leaf 106 to a side leaf, such as 108 (FIG. 1). Similarly, side leaf connections 404 a, 404 b, 404 c, and 404 d may provide a receptacle, outlet and/or mounting point to attach the main leaf 106 to a side leaf, such as 108 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 7 depicts certain illustrative components for side leaf 108 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, a side leaf 108 may be composed of a metal and/or the like. The side leaf 108 may be and/or include a frame that is capable of supporting a surface top 104. In particular, the side leafs 108 may have horizontal supports, such as the two shown in FIG. 7, to provide a more rigid frame. In certain embodiments, the side leafs 108 may include main leaf connections 502 a, 502 b, 502 c, and 502 d, which may be inserted into side leaf connections 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 404 d or side leaf connections 404 a, 404 b, 404 c, and 404 d to attach the main leaf 106 to the side leaf 108.

FIG. 8 depicts certain illustrative components for a vertical structure 110 of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, a vertical structure 110 may provide the base structure for the apparatus, such that the vertical structure 110 sits on the ground and provides the upright support for other components of the apparatus that are affixed to the vertical structure as described herein. In some embodiments, the vertical structure 110 may include a main box structure 602, which includes a top square, a bottom square, and four vertical supports that connect the top square to the bottom square (as shown in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the vertical structure 110 may include at least one surface top mount 602, such as the four shown in FIG. 8. The surface top mounts 602 may be used as points of contact for the surface top (including sub assembly leaf system) to be mounted upon. The vertical structure 110 may further include at least one seat structure mount 604, which may provide a receptacle, outlet and/or mounting point to affix at least one seat structure to the vertical structure 110. For instance, the vertical structure 110 may have a total of eight seat structure mounts 604 affixed to the bottom square of the vertical structure 110. In some embodiments, the combination of the vertical structure 110 and the seat structures 112 (e.g. the affixation of the vertical structure 100 to four seat structures 112, one for each side of the vertical structure 100) forms a “main structure.” In some embodiments, the main structure provides a self-leveling feature, as the seats are balanced by the greater weight and center of gravity of the fire well apparatus as a whole (e.g. rather than relying on the balancing of a seating system independently, which may be particularly important where the ground upon which the fire well apparatus is sitting is not level). Furthermore, the vertical structure 110 may include at least one facia component mount 606 upon which at least one facia component can be mounted, which may conceal the fire well when suspended within the vertical structure 110.

FIG. 9 depicts certain illustrative components for a facia component of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, facia component 608 a may include a standard facia panel with multiple vertical structure mounts 610 via which the facia panel 608 a may be mounted to the vertical structure 110. Similarly, facia component 608 b may include a standard facia panel with multiple vertical structure mounts 610 via which the facia panel 608 b may be mounted to the vertical structure 110. However, facia component 608 b may further include an access port, as depicted in the middle of facia component 608 b, through which certain instruments (e.g. gas supply fixtures) may be accessed by a user of the fire well apparatus. Finally, facia component 608 c may include a facia door with multiple vertical structure mounts 610 via which the facia door 608 c may be mounted to vertical structure 110, and via which facia door 608 c may rotate to an open position to provide a user of the fire well apparatus with access to the fire well 102 within the vertical structure 110.

FIG. 10 depicts certain illustrative components for a seat structure of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the seat structure may include at least one vertical structure connection 702, at least one seat support upright 114 a, at least one seat support leader 114 b, at least one platform 118, at least one seat support cross brace 704, and at least one seat 116. The vertical structure connections 702 may be affixed to the seat structure connections 604 (FIG. 6) to connect the seat structures to the vertical structures 110 (FIG. 1) of the apparatus. The seat support uprights 114 a and seat support leaders 114 b may provide a structure that suspends the seats 116 of the apparatus such that the seats 116 provide seating for at least one individuals, where the seating is at a height allowing the individuals to eat food on top of the surface top 104 (FIG. 1). The seats 116 may be include one or more of chairs, benches, platforms, stools, and/or other forms of seating. The platforms 118 may be affixed to the seat support uprights 114 a such that the platforms 118 provide a footrest for individuals sitting in the seats 116. Additionally, the platforms 118 may provide storage for the belongings of the individuals sitting at the apparatus, such as coolers, purses, backpacks, and/or other small belongings. Finally, the seat support cross brace 704 may be affixed between two seat support uprights 114 a and a platform 118, as shown in FIG. 10, to provide additional structural support for the apparatus.

FIG. 11 depicts certain illustrative components for a seat structure of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the seat structure may include at least one vertical structure connection 702, at least one seat support upright 114 a, at least one seat support leader 114 b, and at least one platform 118, as described with respect to FIG. 10. Additionally, in some embodiments, the seat structure may include at least one variable seating mount 706, which may be used to mount at least one static seat, rotating seat, rocking seat, and/or bench. Furthermore, the seat structure may include at least one foot rest support 708. 

The claimed invention is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one fire well; at least one surface top; at least one facia component; and, at least one main structure, wherein the main structure comprises at least one seating structure, wherein the main structure provides a level base for the at least one fire well and the at least one surface top, wherein the at least one fire well is affixed to the at least one main structure such that the at least one fire well is suspended within the at least one main structure, wherein the at least one surface top is affixed to the at least one main structure such that the at least one surface top is suspended on top of the at least one main structure, and wherein the at least one facia component is vertically affixed to the at least one main structure.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one facia component comprises at least one of the following: at least one facia panel, or at least one facia door.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one facia component comprises at least one access port.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one seating structure comprises at least one variable seating mount, the at least one variable seating mount being configured for affixation of at least one of the following: a static seat, a rotating seat, a rocking seat, or a bench.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one seating structure comprises at least one foot rest, wherein the at least one foot rest of the at least one seating structure does not interfere with at least one facia door affixed to the at least one vertical structure in an instance in which the at least one facia door is at least one of the following: opened, or closed.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fire well comprises at least one fire retardant compartments.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fire well comprises at least one the following: a fire retardant log fixture, a fire retardant rock fixture, or a fire retardant glass fixture.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fire well comprises at least one gas supply fixture, the at least one gas supply fixture comprising at least one of the following: at least one liquid propane supply fixture or at least one natural gas supply fixture.
 9. An apparatus, comprising: at least one vertical structure; at least one fire well, wherein the at least one fire well comprises a fire retardant composition, and wherein the at least one fire well is affixed to the at least one vertical structure such that the at least one fire well is suspended within the at least one vertical structure; at least one surface top, wherein the at least one surface top is affixed to the at least one vertical structure such that the at least one surface top is suspended on top of the at least one vertical structure; and, at least one seating structure, wherein the at least one seating structure is affixed to the at least one vertical structure such that the at least one seating structure and at least one main structure together comprise a main structure, and wherein the main structure provides a level base for the at least one fire well and the at least one surface top.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: at least one facia component.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one facia component comprises at least one of the following: at least one facia panel, or at least one facia door.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one facia component comprises at least one access port.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one seating structure comprises at least one foot rest, wherein the at least one foot rest of the at least one seating structure does not interfere with at least one facia door affixed to the at least one vertical structure in an instance in which the at least one facia door is at least one of the following: opened, or closed.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one seating structure comprises at least one variable seating mount, the at least one variable seating mount being configured for affixation of at least one of the following: a static seat, a rotating seat, a rocking seat, or a bench.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one fire well comprises at least one fire retardant compartments.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one fire well comprises at least one the following: a fire retardant log fixture, a fire retardant rock fixture, or a fire retardant glass fixture.
 17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one fire well comprises at least one gas supply fixture, the at least one gas supply fixture comprising at least one of the following: at least one liquid propane supply fixture or at least one natural gas supply fixture. 